John Smith has overseen a transformation in the scale and activities of BBC Worldwide.

The corporation's commercial arm reported record profits of £160m in the year to March 2011 - up 10% on the previous year - but it remains to be seen whether it will hit Smith's target of £200m profit by 2012. Include the proceeds from the sale of its 50% share in its global TV channel joint venture with Discovery and it already has.

Much of its revenue comes from big TV brands such as Doctor Who, Top Gear and Dancing with the Stars and an international network of 41 TV services including BBC America. It also owns a 50% stake in UKTV.

Smith, perennially linked with top jobs at other broadcasters, succeeded Rupert Gavin in charge of BBC Worldwide in 2004. Previously the BBC's finance director, he joined from British Rail as an accountant.